Linear Transport Coil Switching for Efficient Moving Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear transport systems face inefficiencies in energy transmission from a stationary unit to a moving unit, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and potential energy losses due to the energization of all coils, even when only some are required for efficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method where the control unit determines the position of the movable unit and selectively energizes only the closest energy transmitting coils necessary for efficient energy transfer, distinguishing between load energy for tool operation and idle energy for maintaining communication, allowing for adjustable energy quantity through amplitude and frequency of alternating voltage or current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all energy transmitting coils are energized to ensure continuous energy supply to the movable unit, then energy transfer reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the continuous guide rail into discrete stationary units, each with its own energy transmitting coils. The control unit selectively activates only the stationary units that are spatially close to the movable unit, segmenting the energy transmission responsibility across multiple independent units rather than energizing all coils simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which energy transmitting coils are energized based on the real-time position of the movable unit. The control unit continuously monitors position data and updates the activation state of stationary units, transitioning from a static all-coils-on approach to a dynamic selective activation approach that adapts to changing spatial conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple stationary units are activated to provide redundant energy transmission paths, then energy transfer stability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates a partial number of stationary units based on spatial proximity to the movable unit, rather than all available units. This partial action provides sufficient energy transmission stability through the most relevant units while avoiding the excessive energy consumption that would result from activating all possible transmission paths.
3Loss of time
If energy transmitting coils are continuously energized to maintain readiness, then response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary identification of which stationary units will be needed based on the current position of the movable unit. By pre-determining the activation pattern before the movable unit arrives at a specific location, the system can quickly switch to the required stationary units without delay, while avoiding continuous energization of all coils.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous energization, the system uses periodic activation of stationary units based on the position and movement patterns of the movable unit. The control unit rhythmically activates and deactivates stationary units in sync with the movable unit's progression along the guide rail, maintaining readiness only when and where needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces energy consumption by only energizing coils that are closest to the movable unit, optimizing energy transfer and maintaining communication while minimizing unnecessary energy use, thus enhancing energy efficiency in linear transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
The stationary units each comprise one or more energy transmitting coils, and the movable unit comprises at least one energy receiving coil
Implementation Method 2
If the drive coils of the stationary units are energized, a magnetic force can be exerted on the magnets of the rotor, thus moving the rotor and thus the movable unit along the guide rail
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting energy from a stationary unit (111) of a linear transport system (101) to a movable unit (103) of a linear transport system (101). The linear transport system (101) has a guide rail (105) for guiding the movable unit (103), multiple stationary units (111), a control unit (133), and a linear motor (107) for driving the movable unit (103) along the guide rail (105). The linear motor (107) comprises a stator (109) and a rotor (113), wherein the stator (109) comprises the stationary units (111), each of which comprises one or more drive coils, and the rotor (113) is arranged on the movable unit (103) and comprises one or more magnets. Each of the stationary units (111) comprises one or more energy transmission coils (125), and the movable unit (103) comprises at least one energy receiving coil (127). The method has the following steps which are carried out by the control unit (133): ascertaining positional data of the energy receiving coils (127) of the movable unit (103); selecting at least one energy transmission coil (125) within the linear transport system (101) using the positional data of the energy receiving coil (127); and outputting a control signal to the stationary unit (111), said control signal comprising identification information by means of which the at least one energy transmission coil (125) can be identified.